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Empowerment through Reading: Volunteering in Peru

  • South America, Peru, Cusco
  • |
  • Duration : 4 to 24 Weeks

Program Highlights

  • Opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and beauty of Cusco, Peru
  • Immerse yourself in the local community and gain a deeper understanding of its dynamics
  • Engage with local customs, traditions, and languages
  • Explore the historical sites and natural wonders of Cusco and its surroundings
  • Connect with like-minded volunteers from diverse backgrounds
  • Develop cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills
  • Motivate and applaud children's efforts in reading
  • Help children understand words and sentences
  • Collecting books to build a small library
  • Create lifelong memories while making a positive impact on children's lives through reading.

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty Quality Education Reduced Inequality

This program is ideal for

Compassionate individuals who possess a genuine love for reading and a strong desire to contribute to the educational growth of children. Volunteers with patience, empathy, and the ability to create a calm and focused environment will find this program particularly fulfilling. Those who appreciate cultural immersion and enjoy working with diverse communities will thrive in this volunteering opportunity.

Reading is a massive quality in life. But to be passionate about reading comes with a lot more benefits. Our Spanish teacher started the after-school reading program for children in a local market in Cusco. The mothers of the participating children work in the market. The kids are running around and playing, or try to make their homework in a noisy environment. Learning how to read, or read a book which is challenging, requires concentration and a calm and low-impulse surrounding. Every afternoon we have access to a room in the market, where we help children to develop a passion for books and reading.

Volunteers can help in many different ways in the reading after-school program. The kids are between five and twelve years old. It is important that a kid reads a book corresponding to his/her level. Not too difficult, but also challenging enough. Volunteers motivate the kids and applaud their efforts. You help them understand words and sentences.

We are collecting books to build up a small library, so there is enough to read. Reading is such an important skill, and the children will benefit in many different ways. It is a mental stimulation for your brain, and it expands the vocabulary. It improves the memory, focus and concentration. These skills will all be vital in the educational path of the children.

The after-school reading project started out with three afternoon per week, in one market. Because of the current presence of two volunteers, the project is able to operate five times per week. Our long-term goal is to start this project in another market, and try to scale up from there. This will only be possible with the help of enough volunteers. The after-school reading project can be combined with Spanish classes or one of our other projects.

While volunteering in Cusco, Peru, you have the opportunity to engage in various free time activities that can enrich your experience and immerse yourself in the local culture. Here are some activities you can consider:

Explore historical sites: Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha, Cathedral of Santo Domingo.

Learn Spanish: Take language classes to communicate effectively.

Hiking and Trekking: Embark on adventures in the Andean mountains, such as the Inca Trail, Lares Trek, Rainbow Mountain.

Traditional Peruvian Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare local dishes and connect with Peruvian culture.

Volunteering in Local Communities: Engage in community projects, support schools or orphanages, contribute to environmental initiatives.

Cultural Workshops: Participate in workshops on textile weaving, pottery, Andean music, and dance.

Visit Museums and Art Galleries: Explore museums and galleries showcasing Peruvian history and art.

Attend Festivals and Celebrations: Experience local culture through events like Inti Raymi, Corpus Christi, and Festival of the Virgin of Carmen.

Relaxation and Self-care: Enjoy wellness activities like yoga classes, spa treatments, and meditation retreats.

Immerse in Cusco's cultural heritage and make the most of your volunteering experience.

Your Volunteering journey simplified

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Pay a 15% deposit fee to secure your place at the volunteer program.

That’s it! Get ready to volunteer aboard. We’ll support you every step of the way!

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